Thadou Inpi Manipur has congratulated Nemcha Kipgen on her appointment as Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, describing her elevation as a historic moment as the first member of the Thadou tribe to hold the constitutional office. At the same time, the organisation issued a strong caution against any attempt to intimidate, threaten, or obstruct her in the discharge of her official duties.
In a statement, Thadou Inpi Manipur asserted that there should be no intimidation or targeting of the Deputy Chief Minister, particularly with regard to her movement and functioning from Imphal. It stated that any such acts would disturb the prevailing peace and violate the established understanding that has enabled members of the Thadou community to move freely and without fear in the valley areas.
The organisation reiterated that Nemcha Kipgen is a Thadou tribe certificate holder elected from the General Kangpokpi constituency and not from the ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ category. It expressed concern over what it termed alignment with Kuki-centric narratives since May 3, 2023, and called upon her to clearly disassociate from Kuki organisations, social bodies, and separatist political ideologies, stating that continued association would be incompatible with her constitutional role.
Referring to the Suspension of Operations Agreement, Thadou Inpi Manipur said the agreement explicitly safeguards the territorial integrity of Manipur. It noted that, given Nemcha Kipgen’s personal association with the Kuki National Front, a signatory to the agreement, she carries an added responsibility to uphold its provisions in both letter and spirit.
The organisation cautioned that any promotion of separatist or divisive politics would constitute a breach of public trust.
The statement further stressed that Nemcha Kipgen’s identity should not be misrepresented, asserting that she is Thadou and not a political representative of Kuki ideology. It called upon her to function from Imphal, discharge her duties without ambiguity or parallel political loyalties, and work within the constitutional framework to protect Thadou rights and uphold Manipur’s territorial integrity.
Thadou Inpi Manipur also cautioned all individuals and groups against creating unrest or issuing threats, stating that peace and harmony must not be undermined through intimidation or identity-based misrepresentation, and that any such actions would be viewed seriously.